Aggregate load oriented workload control

Abstract

The paper documents the development of an Aggregate Load oriented Workload control (ALW) concept for the Make To Order (MTO) industry, referred to here as the Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) approach. The paper describes how the LUMS approach has recently been re-evaluated in the light of literature developments. Key literature developments are first reviewed, with particular reference to workload bounding and the measure of indirect load. As a result, the LUMS approach is reclassified using the eight criteria presented by Bergamaschi et al (1997) of order release mechanism, timing convention, workload measure, aggregation of workload measure, workload accounting over time, workload control, capacity planning and schedule visibility. This review of the LUMS approach has taken place in anticipation of a future empirical research project assessing the ability of the concept to improve performance in a small to medium sized MTO Enterprise. It is concluded that future development of the concept may be determined by the individual characteristics of the case study company, highlighting the difficulties in providing a generic Decision Support System (DSS). The paper also briefly highlights the need for web or e-based workload control (eWLC) systems.

Item Type:

Monograph (Working Paper)

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Production Planning and Control (PPC) ; Make to Order (MTO) ; Job Shop ; Workload Control (WLC)